How to Shut Off Your Utilities After an Emergency

Learn why and how you should shut off your home’s utilities after a natural disaster.

A natural disaster can catch you off guard. That’s why you should have an emergency action plan in place so you know what to do after the disaster passes. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends that one of the first things you should do following a natural disaster is turn off your home’s utilities. Read on to learn the different shut off processes for your home’s utilities.

Water

During a natural disaster, damaged pipes can pollute the water supply. To prevent this contaminated water from entering your home, you should turn off your home’s water. To accomplish this, you’ll need to locate your home’s main water shut-off valve. This valve should be located along your home’s main water line. Once you find the valve, turn it clockwise until you feel the valve close completely. Once you turn you water off, it should stay off until you water supply is declared safe to drink.

Electricity

A natural disaster can lead to electrical damage around your home. If one of these damaged appliances or electrical sockets releases a rogue spark, then this could ignite a fire in your home. To avoid this, you should turn off your electricity immediately after a natural disaster passes. Luckily, this is a very easy process. All you need to do is find your home’s electrical circuit box. Then you should switch off all the circuits before shutting off the main breaker located at the top of the electrical panel. You should keep your electricity off until you are sure that your home doesn’t have any gas leaks.

Natural Gas

Finally, a gas leak in your home is a health and fire risk. To prevent gas from threatening your home and loved ones, you’ll need to shut off your gas. Because every home has their own unique gas meter configuration, you may have to contact your local utility company to learn the proper shut off procedure. One you understand the process, post the instructions near your gas meter so anyone can shut off your gas in an emergency. Please note that when you want to turn your gas back on you will require the assistance of a licensed professional.

Use this advice to help you secure you home and loved ones after a natural disaster. Want another way to keep your home and family safe? Then contact the experts at Reata Insurance Group. Our dedicated team is eager to get you covered today.